By Joel Reyes, California Elopement Photographer and Filmmaker
Last updated: March 2026
California has more elopement-worthy landscapes per square mile than almost anywhere on earth. Desert, coastline, mountains, redwood forests, vineyards, and everything in between. I’ve photographed elopements across the state and around the world, and I keep coming back to California because the variety is unmatched.
Here are the best elopement locations in California, organized by region, with insider tips on permits, timing, and what makes each place special.
Big Sur and the Central Coast
Big Sur is the most popular elopement destination in California for a reason. Ninety miles of protected coastline with towering redwoods, dramatic cliffs, and golden light that makes everything look cinematic.
Garrapata State Park
Coastal bluffs and sandy beaches at the northern gateway to Big Sur. Multiple ceremony spots including Soberanes Point, Garrapata Beach, and Calla Lily Valley (spring only). Permit required ($400+).
Glen Oaks Big Sur
A boutique resort among the redwoods. Ceremony and lodging in one location. No state park permit needed.
Pfeiffer Beach
Famous for the Keyhole Arch and purple sand. Managed by the US Forest Service (not State Parks). One of the most dramatic beach settings in California.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Charming village with stunning beach coves, cypress trees, and proximity to Big Sur. Stewart’s Cove and Carmel Beach are popular ceremony locations.
Full Carmel and Monterey guide →
Santa Cruz
Laid-back surf town with Natural Bridges State Beach, Panther Beach, and Henry Cowell Redwoods. A less formal alternative to Big Sur.
Complete Big Sur elopement guide →
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite needs no introduction. Granite cliffs, waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and alpine meadows. The scale is staggering.
Glacier Point
One of the most iconic viewpoints in the world. Half Dome and Yosemite Valley spread out below you. Accessible by car (seasonally, typically May through November).
Taft Point
A dramatic overlook with a sheer drop into the valley. Less crowded than Glacier Point. Requires a moderate hike (2.2 miles round trip).
Sentinel Dome
A 360-degree panoramic view of Yosemite from one of the highest accessible points. Short but steep hike (2.2 miles round trip).
Valley Floor (Yosemite Valley)
Cathedral Beach, Swinging Bridge, and El Capitan Meadow offer accessible ceremony locations with iconic backdrops. No hiking required.
Permits: Required for all weddings and ceremonies in Yosemite. Apply through the National Park Service. $150 permit fee.
Full Yosemite elopement guide →
San Francisco
San Francisco combines urban elegance with coastal drama.
San Francisco City Hall
One of the most beautiful government buildings in the country. The grand staircase, rotunda, and architectural details make it a stunning ceremony location. Civil ceremonies are available for $100 to $400+ depending on the package.
Baker Beach
A wide sandy beach with a direct view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stunning at sunset. No permit required for small groups.
Lands End Trail
A coastal trail on the northwestern tip of the city. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and rugged Pacific coastline.
Battery Spencer (Marin Headlands)
The classic Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint from the north side. Not technically San Francisco but it’s the most iconic view of the bridge for photos.
Full San Francisco City Hall guide →
Northern California
Mendocino Coast
Remote, rugged, and romantic. Think crashing waves against dramatic sea cliffs with meadows of wildflowers. Less tourist traffic than Big Sur. Elk, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg all offer stunning coastal scenery.
Redwood National and State Parks (Humboldt County)
The tallest trees on earth. Walking through an old growth redwood grove feels like entering another world. The scale is humbling. Multiple parks in the area: Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Redwood National Park.
Lake Tahoe
The largest alpine lake in North America, straddling the California/Nevada border. Crystal clear blue water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Summer and fall are best for elopements. Winter is beautiful but access can be limited by snow.
Mount Shasta
A 14,179 foot volcanic peak in far northern California. The mountain dominates the landscape and provides a dramatic backdrop from every angle. Less visited than other California destinations, which means more privacy.
Southern California
Joshua Tree National Park
Surreal desert landscape with twisted Joshua trees, massive boulders, and wide open sky. The rock formations create natural amphitheaters that feel like ceremony sites designed by nature. Best from October through April (summer is extremely hot).
Palm Springs
Mid-century modern architecture, desert palm trees, and mountain backdrops. Great for couples who want a stylish, design-forward elopement with a desert backdrop.
Malibu and the Channel Islands
El Matador Beach in Malibu offers sea stacks and rocky coves. The Channel Islands (accessible by boat from Ventura) are wild, remote, and unlike anywhere else in Southern California.
When to Elope in California
Best overall months: September and October. The fog season ends on the coast, the light turns golden, and wildfire smoke (if any) usually clears. Fall is the sweet spot.
Spring (March through May): Wildflowers, green hills, and waterfalls at peak flow in Yosemite. Can be foggy on the coast.
Summer (June through August): Hot inland, foggy on the coast. Best for mountain and alpine locations (Tahoe, Yosemite high country). Big Sur coast is often foggy until afternoon.
Winter (December through February): Dramatic skies and moody light. Best for desert locations (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs). Mountains may be snow-covered. Coast is unpredictable but beautiful when clear.
California Marriage License
You need a marriage license before your ceremony. Available from any County Clerk’s office in California. No residency requirement, no waiting period, valid for 90 days.
Full California marriage license guide →
Ready to Elope in California?
I’m based in California and photograph elopements throughout the state. Big Sur, Carmel, Yosemite, San Francisco, and beyond. I also travel worldwide for destination elopements in Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and Morocco.
Every elopement includes full planning support: location scouting, permits, timeline, vendor recommendations, and photography and videography.
[Start Planning Your California Elopement →]
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